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The paper presents the chemical composition, nutritional and usable value of sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) and the possibility of using it for animal nutrition in fresh and canned form. Tests show that sunchoke cut in mid-June contains about 9.43% of crude protein, 2.49% of crude fat, 19.93% of crude cellulose, 50.50% of NFE (nitrogen-free extractives) and 17.65% of ash in the dry matter. Although lucerne biomass had a more favorable chemical composition (18.13% crude protein, 6.72% crude fat, 25.24% crude cellulose, 39.35% BEM and 10.56% ash), the benefits of sunchoke are in the more successful growing in less favorable natural, primarily soil conditions, the more suitable it is for ensiling and the longer it stays on one planted plot. Since it is predominantly an energy (carbohydrate) nutrient, the possibility of ensiling the green biomass of sunchoke in a mixture with 25, 50 and 75% fresh lucerne (25% dry matter) was investigated. The obtained results show that with the increase of lucerne participation, the nutritional value of silage increases, but the quality decreases. In addition to its role in conventional feed production, sunchoke can be an important plant in the system of organic production, production for industrial processing and for extensive cultivation in hunting grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global wood trade is important for the world economy and significantly impacts the construction, paper, and bioenergy industries. Growing demand comes from industrialized countries and developing economies, which invest in urbanization and infrastructure development. As a large consumer and wood exporter, Europe is influenced by climate change, geopolitics, and energy crises. On the other hand, Serbia has a long tradition in wood export, but at the same time faces challenges in modernization and sustainable forest management. In such circumstances, this research aims to analyze the market trends in wood assortments in the Southeastern Forest Area of Serbia in the period 2008-2017. The purpose of the research is to identify the main trends in the field of logging, processing, and sales of wood assortments in the analyzed area. The subject of the research includes state forests, Public Enterprise (PE) "Srbijašume", forest estates in the Southeastern Forest Area, the volume of logging, production, and sales of wood assortments, as well as their price. The data were collected from the databases of the PE "Srbijašume" and included annual sales and prices of beech, oak, and poplar, which were adjusted according to annual price indices to calculate their real prices. The methods used in the analysis include descriptive statistics, the Mann-Kendall test for trend detection, and autocorrelation of time series. The results indicate a statistically significant increase in the volume of felling, sales, average prices, and gross revenues during the analyzed period. Beech and oak dominate the sales, reflecting their importance in the regional forest inventory. This data confirms the steady growth of the wood industry sector in the South East region and underlines the importance of responsible resource management and adaptability to market dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the application of the scripting algorithm GRASS GIS for calculation and visualization of vegetation indices using satellite data. The data include satellite images Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS covering tropical rainforests of central Angola. The images were acquired in July 2013 and July 2023. The methodology is based on using module 'i.vi' of GRASS GIS which automatically calculated 10 vegetation indices: DVI, NDVI, ARVI, EVI, GEMI, MSAVI2, NDWI, PVI, GARI and IPVI. The algorithms of data processing and calculation of vegetation indices are presented in the scripts. The results include the extracted information on distribution of bright green vegetation compared with other land cover types: tropical forests and coastal areas distinguished from artificial surfaces and urban areas, soils and coastal shores. The results indicated landscape dynamics in Angola with decline in tropical forests since 2013 until 2023. The machine-based workflow increases computational efficiency through fast processing of satellite data. The use of scripts demonstrated that programming method of automated information extraction from satellite images is effective for environmental monitoring of tropical African landscapes in rainforests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic fungicides are the most effective protection against plant pathogens, but, their uncontrolled and long-term use can lead to many harmful effects: environmental degradation, human health problems and pathogen resistance. The biological compounds contained in essential oils have no harmful effects on humans or the environment and can therefore be an alternative to synthetic fungicides. Essential oils are products of plant metabolism and often show antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial and insecticidal effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of essential oils from peppermint, basil and sage essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation, on Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus sp. The experiment was carried out on potato dextrose agar. After inoculation of the agar with fungal mycelia, paper discs impregnated with 10 µl of oils were placed on the agar surface. In the control, the impregnation was carried out with distilled water. The inhibition zones were measured after 3, 6 and 9 days. The results showed that peppermint oil had the highest antimicrobial potential compared with other oils. Sage essential oil showed the lowest antifungal suppression. A negligible zone of inhibition was observed in the control. A statistically significant influence betwwen the oils and the incubation period was found in this study. Our results confirm the potential use of peppermint essential oil for the suppression of Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus sp. growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the demographic development of the northernmost municipality in Montenegro, with a special emphasis on migration trends, which have intensified since the second half of the last century. The municipality of Pljevlja is specific in this regard because it had the highest growth in emigration since the beginning of the 21st century in Montenegro, regardless of the fact that it has natural potentials, which, unfortunately, have not been adequately used, so the municipality is still classified as underdeveloped. The consequence of the weak economic development of the municipality is the continuous decline in the number of inhabitants, namely, Pljevlja's share in the total population of Montenegro decreased from 9.7% in 1961 to 4.2% in 2021. In the paper, we will look at the ecological transitions and demographic transformations of the municipality. By analyzing the demographic parameters, we will point out the consequences of migration, which are directly reflected in the further demographic development of the municipality. Analysis of the overall movement of the population (natural movement and migration), the age-gender structure of the municipality's population and rural population size will prove the set hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides data on the length-weight relationships (LWR) of four fish species: Barbus rebeli Koller, 1926, Chondrostoma ohridanum Karaman, S., 1924, Pachychilon pictum (Heckel & Kner, 1858) and Telestes montenegrinus (Vuković, 1963) from River Morača, Montenegro. Also, the paper provides the first comprehensive data of LWRs for endemic species for Telestes montenegrinus for which no LWR information was available in Fish Base. Values of b parameter ranged from 2.613 to 3.343, while values of a parameter ranged from 0.004-0.038. The results of this study could provide some additional insight into the ecology of the species and useful information for fisheries management in the studied river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the beginning of the research on the characteristics of albino beech in the Central Serbia region. The studied beech is perennial, of sprout origin, fruitful, and most likely parasitic on the parent tree, considering that its lack of chlorophyll renders it unable to feed and grow on its own. By measuring the physical characteristics of common and albino beeches that share the same root system, and by comparing the length and width of their leaves, the obtained results show that the leaves of albino beech are noticeably smaller. The average length of leaves of common beech is 7.19 cm, while the average length of leaves of albino beech is 6.08 cm. The average width of leaves of common beech is 3.83 cm, whereas the average width of leaves of albino beech is 3.35 cm. To achieve transpiration as a basic physiological function of any tree form, albinism causes significant weakening of the maximum strength and sap during water transport. Additionally, since the leaf is deprived of any of the essential pigments - chlorophyll (a, b, c, d), anthocyanin, carotene - this results in dwarf growth or the formation of bush-like forms of trees. For genome sequencing, it is planned to take samples of leaves with and without pigment and preserve them in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -195℃ in special canister freezers with liquid nitrogen. The view on the phenomenon and the potentially still unrecognized mechanisms of functioning of the plant itself, as well as the plants around it, fungi associated with its root system, or even the discovery of a completely new network or system of connections, remains to be uncovered. What enables the nutrition and influx of basic sugars into this plant may be revealed through the sequencing of its entire genome, which is a basic, logical, and one of the first steps to be taken. The exact location of the plant is kept confidential at this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the gross margin of three lines of production of medicinal herbs: mint, lemon balm and marshmallow. The importance of improving the production of these herbs has been presented in the form of gross margins. All three herb species achieved the highest gross margins in 2023, which was the criterion for choosing them for the research. The structure and participation of individual variable costs for all three production lines has been presented in relation to total variable costs. A sensitivity analysis was performed, in order to study the impact of price and yield changes (10% and 20% increase and decrease in all three production lines, and the impact of changes in the two largest costs for each production line, 10% and 20% increase and decrease in costs). Based on all the analyses, it can be concluded that the production of mint, lemon balm and marshmallow is very profitable, where around EUR 4,000-EUR 7,500 per ha of profits can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive study of fish diversity, relative and absolute biomass of registered species in Zeta River, Montenegro was accomplished. The data were collected during 2019 from three major ecological sectors of the river. A total of 14 fish species were recorded. The highest relative and absolute biomass were recorded on the Lower Zeta - Bjelopavlići - the lower part of the watercourse. Data presented in this paper shows a dramatic decline in both, the abundance and biomass of trout species from this river. Although in the 2019th river Zeta watercourse in Bjelopavlići Valley was proclaimed as a Park of Nature, we haven't detected any benefits for the fish species, especially for the salmonid ones and their abundance continued with decreasing trend. Most probably the bad practice of poaching with forbidden tools just continued no matter on newly proclaimed protection status. It is shown that proclaiming some area or river in the protected area of any level doesn't benefit to biodiversity if it is not followed with precise management plans and strict implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing concerns about rapid urbanization and food insecurity in cities worldwide have renewed interest of academic community in urban gardening and urban agriculture. Urban gardens, including community and allotment gardens, are places of local food production that bring many other benefits to local communities, such as improved health, social networking and cohesion, community development and citizen activation. The paper attempts to comprehensively review the extensive body of literature on urban gardens by looking into geographic locations, disciplines and methods applied in each of the examined papers. The aim of the review is to identify gaps in existing knowledge and to suggest research directions for the future. A total of 27 academic articles in English published between 2000 and 2017 have been reviewed. The results of the data analysis point to uneven geographic distribution of research papers on urban gardening, having large body of literature coping with the North American and Western European context. Fields of research are diverse and fall into categories of planning and social studies (37%), health and community development (26%), politics and citizen participation (26%), and food production (11%). The findings recommend future more rigorous research on quantities of food production, effects of urban gardening on health and nutrition, and social aspects of community and allotment gardens. There is also a need to expand geographic scope of the research beyond the cities in developed countries in order to enrich our understanding of urban gardening in various contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of realistic financial reporting depends on the consideration of numerous factors by the decision maker. In this paper, the authors focused on a comprehensive analysis of agricultural machinery in use by individual farms and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. The main conclusion reached by the authors would be that there are significant differences regarding the use of agricultural machinery in relation to its age, value, fuel consumption and its maintenance (p<0.0005*) in relation to the two forms of organizing agricultural production. Medium-sized agricultural enterprises use younger, more expensive agricultural machinery, as well as the fact that the owner's satisfaction with it is somewhat lower with lower fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs of agricultural machinery. The value of agricultural mechanization can be predicted both for individual farms based on the mentioned factors (F=262.901, p<0.0005) and for medium-sized agricultural enterprises (F=161.229, p<0.0005). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional nutrition is a concept of nutritional science for which it has been proven to have special health effects, so the constant innovation of functional products contributes to the development of the modern food industry. The paper examines the influence of the addition of Inulin HPX on the sensory quality of bread in order to obtain a new functional product that can improve the nutrition of the population, as well as the catering offer of the destination. Different proportions of Inulin HPX in the amount of 0%, 7.5% and 15% were used for the production of bread dough, as a substitute for part of the flour in the basic raw materials. The goal of the research was to analyze the impact of the functional component Inulin HPX on the sensory (volume, texture, color, smell and taste) and nutritional properties of bread, as well as the acceptance of the new functional product by consumers through a demand survey in the territory of the city of Kotor, Montenegro. Based on the test results, the bread with the functional component of 7.5% Inulin HPX has the best sensory characteristics and a high level of acceptance by consumers. This pilot study can serve as a basis for the marketing of a new functional product on the market of Montenegro intended for consumers who care about healthy lifestyles. One of the conclusions is that it can be a part of improving the menu of restaurants that promote healthy food, but also catering establishments within the framework of wellness and health tourism in Montenegro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of construction, as an act of creation of a man-builder in the landscapes, is being discussed in this paper. Vernacular architecture is the creation of the epochal relation of man to the environment. The coexistence of man and nature has been transformed into architecture that still goes beyond the reach of contemporary construction. Evolutionary processes have been called into question, which justifies the concern of the international community regarding the protection of the so-called cultural landscapes, places of conflict between nature and man. What is the perspective of these creations and are the builders of today familiar with the postulates and laws of creating the dwelling architecture of their predecessors? The paper elaborates general principles of protection and emphasizes the importance of preserving the rarity of the traditional opus of construction related to the local examples that exist on the territory of Montenegro, which are the works of an unknown builder and which are currently under-researched and under-valorised. The current knowledge base on "ambient nuclei" (Perovic, 2005) presented through the cases of villages in Montenegro does not grasp the complete essence of the architectural thought. Evolutionary processes of the permeation of natural processes with modus of construction and the current stagnation of processes demonstrated on the examples of villages Godinje and Gornja Brca, located on slopes not far from the water, have been considered in this paper. Man has affected the nature by the phenomenon of construction, creating the unique cultural landscapes. Man has used nature as a resource. The evolution of man in the natural environment implied the evolution of nature itself, natural processes flowed simultaneously. Balance is achieved through synergy. However, there was a point in time when nature continued its life without man, because natural forces have overpowered the human creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacity of nozzles changes during the exploitation, i.e. it produces deviation from normal values. The consumption has an effect on the increase of the capacity of the nozzle, or the fraying and abrasion of the cartridge itself, which has a consequence of increased flow of the substance. On the other hand, decrease of the capacity occurs as a consequence of impurities which come with water which is used as a carrier of substances. The aim of the study is to point to the significance of regular control of the nozzle capacity, since it affect on the quality of the application, all of which affect the deviation from the mean value of the transverse distribution. Measured deviations of the nozzles according to the positions had significant deviations (5- decrease 83,33%, or 13- increase of the capacity for 61,11%), and the consumption of the substance according to the surface (ha) fit perfectly. During designing and monitoring of the treatment standard, most of the producers monitor consumption (l/ha), and this paper points to frequent occurrences in practice (deviations) that can significantly affect the quality of the application, as shown by water-sensitive papers. The coverage of water-sensitive papers ranged from 5.60 to 57.40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural development is largely determined by the available resources and competitiveness of agriculture. The results achieved in agriculture are a significant factor that affects the improvement of the life quality in rural areas and the efficiency of the rural economy. Hence the indicators of agriculture and rural development are common and inseparable. The main purpose of the paper is systemic analysis of indicators of agriculture and rural development in the East Central and South-East European countries. The heterogeneous structure of the analysed group of countries enables their further division into the European Union (EU) Member States and non-EU countries and consideration of differences in the results achieved in these two subgroups. The methods applied in the paper are descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, cluster analysis and correlation analysis. The results of the research enable evaluation of the relative position of the countries according to the analysed indicators, identification of the countries with relatively better performance, but also the direction and intensity of the link between selected indicators of agricultural and rural development in the analysed group of countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory analysis of the food products is used for the quality evaluation. But in parallel, sensory properties of food are equally important. Sensory analysis is usually used as a tool to improve the sensory quality of products and to achieve their standard quality. The paper presents the results of sensory analysis of the three types of cheese: cheese made of cow's milk; ewe's milk; and mixed milk (cow's+ewe's). The following characteristics: taste, odour, consistency and color, outer appearance, and cut were evaluated. The sensory analysis was performed using the scoring system and the sensory evaluation of cheese quality. The cheeses were graded from 1 to 5 points. The grades were multiplied by appropriate factors to obtain scores for each cheese parameter. The maximum number of points is 20. There are five categories of quality and quality ranges from "unacceptable" to "excellent". The results of sensory analysis showed that all three types of cheese had good quality. The best-rated type of cheeses is ewe's milk cheese, got 18.45 points, out of a maximum of 20, which classified it as cheese with excellent quality category, especially when the tastes and cross-sectional appearance are in consideration. The cheese made from mixed milk obtained 17.63 points, that classified, also, it into the group of excellent quality category cheese while the cow's cheese had 17.08 points, classified as good quality category cheeses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intertwining of agriculture and economic development during Morocco's period of French colonialism holds a fascinating historical significance. This paper attempts into how this relationship shaped the local characteristics of Morocco's economy, offering insights into the complex dynamics of colonial influence on agricultural practices and their impact on the nation's economic trajectory. This research aims to investigate the agriculture and economic development of the Ait Werra tribe during the French protectorate in Morocco. The French protectorate, established on March 30, 1912, brought about various changes in the agricultural and economic policies of Morocco in the first half of the twentieth century. These changes affected both urban and rural areas, but the tribal economy experienced the most significant impact. While the cities had already opened up to European countries and welcomed their traders, the Moroccan villages remained isolated from the outside world, and the authority of the Makhzen was not prevalent in many mountain tribes. Thus, colonization was a massive shock that transformed all aspects of life, especially for tribes like Ait Werra, which is a part of the Berber confederation and situated in the Middle Atlas Mountain range near to El Kssiba. This article will explore the fixations and transformations of the Ait Werra tribe's economy as it transitioned from the pre-Makhzen to post-colonial era in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For ages, family farms have prevailed and are particular to Austria. Since work both on and off the farm and family life are combined, the role of women in agriculture is a complex one. They are mothers, wives, farm managers, partners, labourers, creators of their own branches and employed off farm. Analysing the roles of women in agriculture is more complicated than it may initially appear. Official agricultural statistics give a very limited image. Statistics on women are only available in connection with the ownership, the management and the labour force. Our knowledge of women in agriculture is largely derived from national studies and statistics as well as (periodic) surveys. With this in mind this paper aims to determine the roles performed by female farmers in agriculture according to their activities on and off the farm. Following a literature review, this paper covers an in-depth analysis of women's roles in agriculture based on data from official statistics and select data from a survey done in 2016 throughout Austria. In this respect, this paper contributes to the gender debate in agriculture and to our knowledge of the role of women in agriculture. This paper re-affirms the essential role of women in agriculture and tries to give some suggestions on the need for further research and future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of long periods of research on the bird fauna of municipality of the Bosansko Grahovo, and thess systematic surveys of the ornithofauna of this area have been running continuously since 1974. This contribution contains a full list of the noted bird species. Birds were recorded at times of nesting, spring and autumn migrations as well as in winter. Twenty years ago, the avifauna of the municipaty of Bosansko Grahovo was poorly known. To date, or to this paper, about 50 bird species have been noted on the municipality of Bosansko Grahovo (Livanjsko polje not included). Birds were recorded at times of nesting, spring and autumn migrations as well as in winter. During large number of fild excursions, which were performed in all seasons, 165 bird species were registered in B. Grahovos area, and today it can safely be said that 105 bird species nest on this area (Livanjsko polje not included). Because of the diversity of its flora and fauna, the area of the municipality of Bosansko Grahovo harbors favorable bird habitats during the whole year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important hunting game species found in majority of established hunting grounds in the Republic of Serbia are roe deer, wild boar and hare. The objective of this paper is to determine abundance, shooting rate and income generated by managing mentioned game populations in Serbia. On the basis of data of the Republican Bureau of Statistics of Serbia the records on abundance and shooting rate in game species in the 2011-2021 period were collected. The value of shot animals has been determined both on the basis of market pricelist of the Hunting Association of Serbia for the 2021/22 hunting year and according to the structure of animals shot per certain game categories obtained in previous research. Shooting rate realized in relation to overall roe deer abundance in 2021 was 7.90% with the shooting value reaching 1,106,724 euros. Wild boar abundance index recorded population growth of even 33.53% in 2021 and percentage of population utilization accounted for 63.83% while value of shooting reached 834,509 euros being three times higher than the income of shooting established in 2011. Hare population abundance has recorded a drastic fall and this decreasing trend has been reflected also in a reduced shooting rate thus in 2021 the value of shooting rate of hare was 676,625 euros. The results of the analysis of abundance, shooting rate and trends regarding their values make a basis for indicating a direction of improvement and the measures to enhance the management of these game species populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents initial findings stemming from an extensive and firsthand field monitoring endeavour that delves into the erosion of a fluvial section in the downstream part of Oued El Abid. This river, situated within the Central High Atlas, holds particular prominence as the primary tributary of the big Oum-Err-Bia River. The hydrological behaviour of the El Abid River follows a snowrainfall pattern, characterized by an average monthly precipitation of 82 mm. The main purpose of the current study is to investigate how the El Abid River responds to the forces of fluvial dynamics, particularly in the downstream segment near the Bin El Ouidane dam, by employing a methodology cantered on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Google Earth imagery spanning from 2016 to 2022. The findings of the study reveal a significant metamorphosis and ongoing dynamism within the targeted meandering section at the river's outlet. The period of research from 2016 to 2022 has witnessed pronounced alterations driven by lateral activities and a spectrum of fluvial processes: erosion, transportation, and deposition. This continual fluvial erosion has culminated in substantial soil loss from the riverbanks. Inevitably, these transformations intensify the sedimentation and siltation processes downstream, directly impacting the Bin El Ouidane reservoir as an outcome of the El Abid River's discharge dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periurban agriculture is a form of agriculture practiced around urban areas, where it retains both urban and rural characteristics, and which has multiple roles. It has been gaining an increased attention from researchers, practitioners and decision makers, for the potential contribution it can make in the face of current societal challenges. This paper explores the roles of periurban agriculture in Montenegrin context. Through two surveys carried out in the city of Nikšić as a pilot area, economic, social and environmental roles of periurban agriculture have been assessed. The conclusions indicate that periurban agriculture has a significant social role in the target area, unrealised economic potential and an environmental impact that should be better managed. The results are used to argue that periurban agriculture should be mainstreamed into Montenegrin agricultural policy, for its potential to contribute to the quality of life and environmental protection in periurban areas, as well as to food security on the local and national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the pattern of heavy metal accumulation and distribution in maize plants grown in a field near Sarajevo International Airport. Soil and maize plant samples from the studied soil were analyzed for selected heavy metals, i.e., chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn). The pattern of their accumulation and distribution were assessed using bioaccumulation factor (soil-root transfer) and translocation factor (root-leaves transfer). In this study, all the heavy metals studied (except Zn and Mn) exhibited higher contents in the analyzed root tissues than in the above-ground parts of maize (stem, leaves and kernels), suggesting that maize plants have versatile mechanisms to restrict transport of toxic heavy metals Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu and Ni from root to other parts of maize plants. On the other hand, Zn and Mn were more efficiently transferred from the maize roots to leaves. These results were expected, since Zn and Mn play an important role in various metabolic processes in plants. The study results also indicate that maize plants have a strong ability to absorb Cd ions from soil and accumulate them in roots, suggesting that maize is an efficient plant in phytostabilizing Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the importance of the woman on the farm, her role in the countryside is often unfairly neglected. The aim of this paper is to examine the social and socio-economic status of women in rural areas, based on the conducted research. The paper is dedicated to October 15 - Day of Rural Women. Surveys were conducted in the municipalities of Pljevlja and Kolašin. An interview method was used in order to collect data. Survey results show that rural women play a role both as housewives and as workers on their own farms. It originates from the nature of rural family, which simultaneously emerges both as a consumer unit-household and a production unit-farm. Respondents' answers testify to small but visible improvements in the position of rural women in the surveyed area. Due to the traditional gender roles that involve caring for children and the elderly, solely by doing housework, women are left with little room for independent activities, education and employment outside the home. The survey showed that the respondents were not familiar with the celebration of International Day of Rural Women - October 15th. In this regard, it is necessary to work on its popularization in order to strengthen the social and economic position of rural women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper presents the results of research on competitive relations between sessile oak seedlings and the most important competing species of woody vegetation, as well as ground flora that grows under a shelterwood, after the preparatory - seed cut of the shelterwood cutting. The research was conducted in sessile oak (Quecus petraea/Matt./Liebl.) stand in the area of northeastern Serbia. The studied stand is located at 320 to 350 m above sea level, with a slope up to 25° and western exposure. In terms of phytosociology, the stand is defined as an association of sessile oak with hairy sedge (Carici pilosae - Quercetum petraeae B. Jov. 1989). After the preparatory-seed cut, 124 trees per ha remained in the stand, with a basal area of 11.9 m2/ha and a volume of 129.1 m3/ha. The obtained results in the paper indicate the competitive relations between sessile oak and the most important competing woody species, as well as the species of ground vegetation. The most common competing woody species are silver linden (Tilia tomentosa Moench.) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.), while other species (Fraxinus excelsior L., Fraxinus ornus L., Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Acer campestre L., Cornus mas L.) are represented individually. In addition to a significant presence, competing species of woody vegetation are characterized by very intensive development, which significantly reflects on the presence and development of sessile oak seedlings. In contrast, eight-year-old sessile oak seedlings have outgrown blackberries in the studied stand, which no longer competes with them. The obtained results indicate that during the regeneration of sessile oak forests, special attention must be focused on the presence and dynamics of the development of competing vegetation, as well as that the success of the regeneration largely depends on controlling this factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When selling food products, it's important to choose the appropriate sales channel. These channels connect producers with consumers. The aim of this study was to select a channel for the sale of cabbage to end customers. In this paper, six different sales channels that are used in the Semberija region for the sale of cabbage were observed. These sales channels were evaluated using 11 different criteria. In order to choose the sales channel that best meets the set objectives, a fuzzy set approach was used. This approach was chosen because qualitative criteria were used and expert ratings were in the form of linguistic values. Based on the input of seven experts who are professors at agricultural faculties in Bijeljina, it was found that consumer habits were the most important criterion, followed by the criterion compliance with environmental standards, while the smallest weight value was given to the criterion delivery method. Using the RAWEC (Ranking of Alternatives with Weights of Criterion) method, it was shown that online sales yield the best results, after that follows Producer-sales agent-consumer, while according to experts, the sales channel is the best rated Producer-wholesalerretailer- consumer. This is because various tools can be utilized on the Internet for selling agricultural products. Based on the conducted research, the contribution of this study lies in the selection of sales channels using the integration of the MEREC and RAWEC methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Global navigation satellite system (GNSS), (geolocation and navigation system) in/under forestry is increasingly being established, especially in the areas of logistics, inventory and measurements. However, the uninitialized forest user assumes that GNSS will always work with the same accuracy everywhere, while the more critical foresters assume that GNSS will probably not work properly in/under the forest. A criterion is often used to evaluate the performance of a GNSS receiver in an obstructed environment. Due to tree canopy in a forest, GNSS performance can be limited, disturbed or completely prevented. The Real Time Kinematics (RTK) approach can provide centimetrelevel accuracy in a suitable environment. A more accurate and stable positioning technique was first proposed in the mid-1990s by meticulously modelling all fault components based on a known reference network called the Network Based RTK (NRTK) technique. Since then, several methods have been developed and implemented in practice, such as the Virtual Reference Station (VRS), the Flächen Korrektur Parameter (FKP) and the Master-Auxiliary Concept (MAC), which are fundamentally similar approaches. The purpose of all studies for this paper was to evaluate the achievable accuracy of the Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS)-FKP in the project area and check the results. The CORS-FKP results show that the solution for the forest area was reached at cm level (±10-15 cm) for horizontal accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms in the soil have a very important role because they participate in numerous processes. Intensive and/or inadequate use of the soil leads to disturbance of the plant - microbial interactions, a decline in productivity, and degradation. The abundance and microbiological activity of a certain ecosystem are considered indicators of soil fertility. In this paper, surface (0-20 cm) and subsurface (20-40 cm) samples of grassland, agricultural soil, forest soil and coal-mine-affected soil at the Banovići municipality (Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina) taken in October 2021 and April 2022 were used for chemical and microbiological characterization. Chemical analyses were performed using the standard methodology, while the microbial count was determined using the agar plate method. Enzyme production was expressed through dehydrogenase activity. The lowest pH value was recorded in forest soil, while the highest in the grassland. In all samples, microbial abundance decreased with increasing soil depth. The lowest microbial activity was observed in coal mine-affected soil. The highest value of the total number of bacteria and ammonifiers was recorded in forest soil. Oligonitrophiles were most abundant in agricultural soil, while the number of actinomycetes was highest in grassland. Dehydrogenase activity was highest in forest and agricultural soil. In most of samples, microbial abundance was higher in spring, while dehydrogenase activity was higher in autumn. This research confirms the impact of land use on microbial abundance as parameter of soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countries in transition should encourage internal processes to improve management in all business segments. One of the ways to improve this is the introduction of internal control mechanisms. This way of dealing with internal factors requires a new organization, resources necessary to cover the basic and extraordinary costs of introducing internal control mechanisms, as well as additional training of employees in those entities. This paper deals with the application of three forms of internal control mechanisms, i.e. internal audit, internal control and the combination of these two forms with financial management and control. The intention was to discover the synergistic effects in large and medium-sized agricultural enterprises arising from the use of internal control factors. The obtained results are far more positive than expected, especially those related to the generation of income in terms of the size of the company and the established internal control mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper continues a series focused on noteworthy polypores associated presumably with old-growth broadleaf trees in Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo) ensemble near St. Petersburg. Some nemoral species complexes are reserved here due to protection of old-growth trees over this area. The species in focus of the present paper are Cerioporus (Polyporus) varius and its sib, C. leptocephalus (Polyporaceae, Agaricomycetes), both widely distributed in deciduous and mixed forests, but associated mainly with old trees and stumps. These are closely related species differing by morphogenetic features. Five habitats of C. varius and four habitats of C. leptocephalus were revealed in the Pushkin city. All these are documented, and an enlarged morphological and ecological description of both species is given. The rare form C. varius f. circumpurpurascens was epitypified and re-combined in the genus Cerioporus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gatacko cattle, as one of the indigenous breeds of the Bosnia and Herzegovina, namely its entity of Republic of Srpska, deserve special attention when it comes to detailed description of the breed, inventory and genotyping. This kind of research is apsolutely neccesary in order to establish programs for in citu preservation of genetic resources. As the name of the breed suggests, Gacko municipality is the most relevant for this breed in terms of breeding and the total number of cattle, and was therefore selected for our research. The aim of this paper was to determine morphometric parameters of the Gatacko cattle by conducting appropriate measurements. The study involved 288 cows, and the total of 15 parameters were measured on each cow. The analysis of obtained data was performed using methods of desciptive statistical analysis. Also, the phenotypic correlation between the morphometric parameters was calculated. The results indicates higher values of all morphometric parameters, except for the shin girth. The contribution of this research is reflected in a large number of samples on which morphometric characterization were performed and correlations determined, which provide material for further research towards genotyping of this indigenous breed and establishing the breeding goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of introducing internal control in the operations of companies that operate with the introduced principles of environmental protection and principles based on the green economy is inextricably linked. The process of introducing internal control depends on the decision made and the will of the company's top management to implement the control system in its regular operations. The implementation of the internal control system is a long process. Its practical application should be carried out by motivated and professional staff who are maximally determined to use the achievements of the IT sector, as well as the application of international accounting standards, financial reporting standards and external and internal audit standards. In this paper, the authors pointed out that only the connection of several sectors in the company is subject to the work of internal control from the beginning to the end of the process of making business decisions and decisions related to management at all levels of management in these companies. Internal control should use new knowledge in its work and make the most of the advantages of the application of the dynamically developing IT sector, especially in the last decade in all economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the paper is to present the method of production, quantity, and quality of obtained planting material per unit area of continental fruit within the period of three years (2018-2020), and, in particular, the nursery of raspberry variety "Glen Ample" in Polimlje, Bijelo Polje municipality, northern Montenegro. The paper shows the initial condition, preparation for the formation of nurseries, production, and quality of raspberry seedlings, which are among the most important berry fruit species grown in northern Montenegro. The production of nurseries was within the limits for the production of raspberry planting material. The number of plants per square metre (m2) at the end of the season was 20.2, and 202,000 per hectare (ha). The height of the seedlings at the end of the vegetation was 1.06 m, and the diameter above the root neck was 9.5 mm. The planting material met the prescribed standards. Based on the standard, seedlings were classified into three classes, and most seedlings of class I (73%) were obtained, followed by class II (24%), while only 3% of seedlings were out of class. Raising raspberry plantations with quality planting material is one of the most important factors for intensifying the production of this type of fruit in Montenegro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper summarizes the results of research on the dynamics of changes in climatic parameters (air temperature and rainfall) over the 70-year period (the end of the XX and the XXI centuries) in the agro-soil zones of south of Ukraine; the main factors of the negative influence of elevated temperatures on properties of soils are revealed; the optimal parameters of agro-technical measures for the reduction of the risk of insufficient soil moisture and increase of agricultural stability are substantiated. The represents the methodological approaches and the results of the evaluation of integrated space-time modelling of the heterogeneity of changes in agrochemical properties of soils in the steppe zone (on the example of Kherson region of Ukraine) under conditions of regional climate change. The paper evaluates the changes of soil-climatic potential of agricultural lands depending on climatic conditions and suggests their comparative estimation by fertility; it determines the total agrochemical potential of dry-steppe soils and develops the gradation according to their ability to maintain steady yields of grain crops. The paper simulates the changes in energy expenditure on soil formation during the development of irrigated agriculture. The study develops the models and the maps of productive moisture content in soils for demanding and less demanding crops for the development and implementation of reclamation measures aimed to increase soil fertility of the dry-steppe zone. The paper suggests the system of nature protection measures for management of agricultural lands considering the qualitative estimation of soils (including irrigated lands) to determine the changes in the potential of reclaimed soils, increase informational content and objectivity of management decisions concerning the development of land reclamation measures and optimization of agricultural land use under conditions of regional climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a result of many years of field and laboratory research of the soils in Pčinja river basin, North Macedonia, spread out on 237.640,71 ha ranging from 191 to 1664 m above the sea level in order to gain a better understanding of the productive capacities of the soils and measures for their improvement. The catchment area of Pčinja River is a spatial area that extends in two states in the of the Republic of North Macedonia and the part of the Republic of Serbia, whose boundaries are naturally clearly defined. Soil samples were taken by spade and one composite sample was prepared for each sampling site, each containing about 3 kg of soil. Before sieving the samples were air dried. In laboratory, the following analyses have been carried out on the soil samples: hygroscopic moisture, mechanical composition, pH of the soil solution, humus content and total nitrogen, content of carbonates. The mechanical composition and chemical properties of the soils have been determined by standard methods. This area is very heterogeneous, with numerous relief forms, with different expositions and inclinations, and with great differences of altitude. Additionally, there are several geological formations of a very heterogeneous petrographic-mineralogical composition and climate-vegetation zones. Long-term effects of human involvement should also be noted. The vast diversity of the factors required for soil formation in this area is the reason for the formation of many different soil types as well as the lower taxonomic units. These types of soils are characterized by different properties (chemical, physical, and physical-mechanical, productive). Therefore, they have varied effects on agricultural production. There are 9 different soil types and 18 complexes of more than two land types distributed in the Pčinja River basin together with a considerable amount of subtypes, varieties and forms. The most represented with the largest area are: Vertisol, Fluvisol, Fluvisol (Colluvial Soils) and Cambisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of a two-year study of the influence of different vine loads with fertile buds on the agrobiological, economic and technological characteristics of the Cardinal variety. The research was carried out in the vineyard of the Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica subregion. Four different vine loads with fertile buds were applied: 8, 12, 16 and 18 buds. The results of the research showed that the applied loads had a significant impact on the examined parameters of the Cardinal variety. The obtained results on the average yield of grapes show that the lowest value of this parameter was the variant with a load of 8 buds - 1.45 kg m-2, while the highest grape yield was recorded for the variant with a load of 16 buds (2.03 kg m-2). V1 variant had the highest average bunch (386 g) and berries (7g) weight, while V4 had the smallest bunch (285 g) and berries (5.95 g) weight. The quality of the grapes also varied significantly under the influence of the vine load. The highest sugar content in must was recorded in the variant with a load of 8 buds - 15.79%, and the lowest in the variant with 18 buds - 14.30%. The acid content did not differ significantly between the tested variants. V4 variant had the highest - 4.30 g/l, and V1 and V3 variants - 4.05 g/l measured the lowest acid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results about annual reproductive cycle of Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) in Boka Kotorska Bay are given in this paper. Sex ratio, gonad developmental stages, oocytes diameter, mean gonad index, condition index as well as correlation to water temperature were analysed. Sex ratio was 1:1. Maturation and spawning occurred over a great part of the year, from October to June, with short resting period during the late summer, when water temperature was above 25°C. Mean oocytes diameter ranged from 56.68 ± 10.52 µm in October 2015 to 66.58 ± 12.09 in December 2015. The highest mean oocytes diameter appeared during period when most of individuals were in ripe stage. Significant negative correlation between mean gonad index and sea water temperature was found, as well as weak negative correlation between condition index and sea water temperature. Positive correlation between condition index and mean gonad index showed that condition index followed the mean gonad index pattern. Obtained qualitative and quantitative data on reproduction cycle of cultured M. galloprovincialis are of great significance for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the content of physiologically active potassium (K2O) in the soil in the territory covered by the work of the Agricultural Advisory and Expert Service of Smederevo (PSSS Smederevo). Research was carried out on three locations: Velika Plana, the City of Smederevo and Smederevska Palanka, for the purpose of ensuring the optimal use of mineral and organic fertilizers, to preserve soil resources. The paper presents the results of testing the content of physiologically active potassium -- K2O. The territory of Velika Plana had most areas with harmful content, while the lowest content of K2O was recorded in the territory of Smederevska Palanka. The results indicate that the obtained values were greatly influenced by different types of soil on the examined plots, and an anthropogenic factor was also evident. All the plots from which soil samples were taken for analysis of potassium content were mapped, and based on the obtained results farmers were given advice on the necessary remedial measures and optimal use of organic and mineral fertilizers to improve agricultural production and preserve biodiversity. Mineral nutrition is extremely important for growth, development and reaching maximum yields of cultivated plants.foliar mass were higher in the PSB version (without fertilizers), and in the treatment with the use of P. polymyxa - with the use of N20P40 fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N2-fixing casuarinas and acacias are indigenous components of the Australian flora, both families making significant contributions to the nitrogen economy of natural ecosystems. For the brigalow-belah dominated areas in northern Australia, their inputs of nitrogen allowed production of wheat using the high levels of NH4+-saturated clay for many years. However, despite the centres of origin for both families being in Australasia, their potential in Australian farmforestry using rotations of less than five years has been little explored. Active applied research into the Casuarinaceae (Allocasuarina, Casuarina, Gymnostoma, Ceuthostoma) and its N2-fixing microsymbiont Frankia is largely restricted to India, China and France. Farmers in India are pioneering profitable farming of casuarinas for paper manufacture in 3-year rotational cycles with rice. We propose major investment in a new rural scheme to promote the application of casuarinas on Australian farms and to develop local rural secondary industries with strong cash flow, responsive to market forces. Large scale carbon sequestration (up to 20 tonnes dm/ha/annum) can theoretically be achieved, reducing N-fertiliser use and expanding farmers' product and cash flow options, using vertically integrated production to maximise their value. These forest products include wood and fuel pellets, paper pulp, charcoal for hydrogen production, N-fertiliser and volatile chemicals, even including ammonia and hydrogen. One million ha of casuarinas could produce $50 million of C-neutral N-fertiliser per annum as by-product, or adequate ammonia as stock for electricity generation or H2 production using the N2 fixation reaction for heat storage. This paper will examine the prospect for integrated uses of these underutilised genetic resources, planning the required applied research in profitable fire-resistant landscape design and community economic development, also confirming feasibility in terms of underlying principles of energetics and action thermodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate the "Young Farmer Problem" in Europe with a specific focus on how it applies in England. The paper is intended as a discussion paper and represents a forerunner to a more comprehensive study of the raw Farm Business Survey data conducted through a Phd. Recent reforms of the European Union's (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have specifically targeted young farmers for increased support; with young farmers being seen as more innovative, entrepreneurial and amenable to change. Furthermore, the EU has stated that the "generational renewal" of agriculture is critical for the long term viability of the sector. This paper investigates the business performance and entrepreneurial behaviour of younger farmers in England through empirical analysis of Farm Business Survey (FBS) data, and finds some evidence to support the notion of higher levels of performance among younger farmers. Farmers in the 35 - <45 years age group showed consistently higher levels of overall productivity, profitability and investment. Additionally, the results show that younger farmers demonstrate consistently higher levels of engagement with agri-environment schemes. This study concurs with the findings of Zagata and Sutherland (2015) in the need to improve targeting on the basis of age specifically in order to isolate the under 40 age group which is the focus of European policy and in the need to separate new entrants from inheritors in the assessment of young farmers; an objective which necessitates the analysis of raw data and the conduction of original research within the topic area. This paper and, importantly, the original research which will be conducted through the accompanying Phd will address the fifth research objective of the Research platform proposed by Zagata and Sutherland (2015) to test the characterisation of young people and new entrants tofarming, as entrepreneurial innovators sympathetic to and amenable with the goals of the CAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results about toxic and potentially toxic phytoplankton species and biotoxins are given in this paper. Investigation is conducted on mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) farm situated in Kamenari (Tivat Bay) from January 2015 up to September 2016. In total six harmful phytoplankton taxons are identified, with clear seasonal variation in their abundance. Pseudo-nitzchia spp. were the most abundant (maximum abundace 1.1×105 cells/l), while Prorocentrum micans and P. cordatum reached maximum abundance up to 103 cells/l during some seasons. Other toxic taxons had low abundance, while in some seasons were completely absent. Results about quantitative and qualitative analysis of biotoxins showed that all obtained values were below limit of detection (LOD), what implies on good quality of mussels meat on investigated farm, safe for human consumption. Integrated monitoring of harmful phytoplankton and biotoxins should be continued in order to prevent possible negative consequences caused by increased growth of harmful algae (harmful algal blooms - HABs) and biotoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas are becoming an increasingly important alternative of living and working choice over cities. Limiting factors for the development of rural areas are depopulation and deagrarization. The industrialization that followed World War II conditioned migratory movements from rural to urban areas. The paper analyses the application of the concept of "smart villages" in rural areas of Montenegro, with special emphasis on demographic revitalization. Based on the analysis of demographic trends in Montenegro, in addition to participation of urban and rural population in the 1955-2020 period, it implies that previous models and strategies did not contribute to a significant demographic revitalization of rural areas. Application of the "smart village" concept in the region and beyond shows that traditional models of rural community development must be complemented by digital technologies and innovations. The modern development of Montenegrin rural areas indicates modern communication in preforming the business, along with the use of internet marketing, which, in addition to easier access to information, will contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity in the Anthropocene era. It is widely admitted that climate change will have farreaching impacts including on food security. Therefore, this review paper analyses the multifaceted relations between climate change and food security. In particular, the paper explores the impacts of climate change on the four dimensions of food security (i.e. food availability, food access, food utilization, stability). It draws upon a review of scholarly literature indexed in the Web of Science. The analysis of the literature shows that there is a dual relationship between climate change and food security; on the one hand, climate change affects all the dimensions of food security and, on the other hand, the quest for food security has implications in terms of climate change. As for food availability and supply, climate change is widely believed to reduce crop yields and livestock productivity especially in the countries of the Global South. Effects on food production and availability as well as the impacts of extreme climate events affect both food physical and economic accessibility. The changes in production systems induced by climate change may induce changes in dietary patterns and food utilization. Climate change will also affect the stability and resilience of food systems with consequences in terms of long-term food security. Moreover, the quest for food security, through agricultural intensification and agricultural land expansion, increases greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and land use changes. The intricate relation between climate change and food security makes the case for integrated policies that maximise co-benefits while addressing trade-offs. That is fundamental to make sure that 'climate action' will not jeopardize the achievement of 'zero hunger' and vice-versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the motives for and barriers to the consumption of olive oil in Montenegro. The structure of respondents' attitudes was analysed using a survey questionnaire with questions focused on consumers' attitudes towards olive oil. The obtained results were statistically processed using descriptive statistics and SPSS software. The results of the survey revealed a correlation between age and frequency of olive oil consumption. Based on the revealed habits and low olive oil consumption, there is a need for additional education on the importance of consumption and its health benefits and nutritional value. To improve the consumption of domestic olive oil, respondents emphasised the need for more affordable prices and better marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the trend of changes in the surface of forests created by natural succession, artificial establishment and combined in the area of Altai (Russian Federation) was investigated. The method of time series analysis for the period 2019-2023 was used. The obtained dispersion measures show that the linear trend model is representative. A trend of increasing the area under forest by an average of 368.5 hectares per year was determined as a result of afforestation and natural progressive succession of vegetation. The area of actually established forests in the analyzed period was larger than planned each year (7237 ha/year), and individual growth rates show an increase in new forest areas. The success of afforestation with white pine seedlings expressed by area in all years of the analyzed period was above 50%. However, in these areas, the success of afforestation with white pine seedlings shows a negative trend, i.e. a decrease of 58.2 ha/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the global level, exploitation of natural resources provides the livelihoods for a large amount of the world's population. Access to forest as "natural capital" provides a crucial contribution to the livelihood for about 1.6 billion people. In many countries around the world, people living in rural areas have lower incomes and are generally less prosperous than their urban counterparts. Due to these facts governments often attempt to promote rural development through the sustainable usage of natural resources such as forest. This article deals with people-forest relations, existing practices of usage of forest by local people in Bjelašnica Mountain, description of socio-economic characteristics of local rural population and explanation of how forest contributes to their livelihoods. Sustainable livelihoods approach was used as analytical framework for the purpose of this paper, as increasingly important in researches about regional development, poverty alleviation, rural development and rural resource management. Today, the situation in Bjelašnica Mountain is extremely complex. Affected by post-war trauma this area is characterized by: low rate of returnees in villages, increasing trends of de-ruralisation and migration, small number of inhabitants in villages, high proportion of elderly people which all together calls into question sustainability of these villages. This paper estimates the contribution of forests as an element of local people livelihoods and possibilities of using forest as a livelihood diversification strategy for rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. In addition to its use as a beverage, tea is also known as a beverage that can have several health benefits, mainly due to the presence of nutrients. But, on the other hand, even very low concentrations of some metals can be toxic and can cause disorders and serious biological diseases. In this paper we have researched the content of micro and macro elements in chamomile tea samples of five different brands: sample 1 (Croatia), sample 2 (Kosovo), sample 3(Sri Lanka), sample 4 (Slovenia) and sample 5 (Kosovo) found in a local market in Pristina. Concentrations of the elements were determined by the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Microwave was used to decompose samples. Concentrations of metals in chamomile samples were: Na (1908-2480 mg/kg), K (3860-9294 mg/kg), Ca (11972-24269 mg/kg), Mg (1309-4287 mg/kg, Zn (10-33 mg/kg), Fe (86-302 mg/kg), Mn (69-217 mg/kg) and Ni (2-5 mg/kg) On the other hand metal concentrations in infusions of chamomile tea of these five brands at different times (3, 5 and 10 minutes) were: Na (1131-2233 mg/kg), K (3147-8999 mg kg), Ca (9189-22140 mg/kg), Mg (935-3899 mg/kg, Zn (2.1-29 mg/kg), Fe (6-47 mg/kg), Mn (37-177 mg/kg) and Ni (1-2 mg/kg). Of all the macronutrients (Na, Mg, K and Ca), calcium had the highest concentration which ranges from 11972-24269 mg/kg. By comparing the concentrations of all heavy metals (iron, zinc, nickel and manganese) iron content was the highest of all samples, in the range of 86 mg/kg - 302 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focus on the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) for selected agricultural sectors (fruit growing, viticulture and dairy cattle breeding). The methodology used to determine TFP is according to Regulation (EU) 834/2014 laying down monitoring and evaluation framework for CAP 2014-2020. The Laspeyers index was applied to analyze the development of agricultural production and to explore the influence of different factors on the production output during the CAP implementation. The change was reviewed in comparison to a basis period and TFP was estimated as an index coefficient represented as industry output and the driving inputs (including labour, capital, land, variable production costs and subsidies). The study reveals a significant change in TFP indexes over the period after Bulgaria's accession to the EU. The results show the TFP indexes decrease for fruits and cow's milk and increase for grapes (due to improved efficiency). There is a drop in production for grapes and cow's milk but a significant increase in production quantities for fruits. Meanwhile, the TFP index for fruit growing is slumping down, which is explicated by tangible enhancement in investment and capital costs during the covered period, which deems to improve the productivity and efficiency in the coming years. There is a need to increase and target the financial support for viticulture and dairy farming in order to hoist up the productivity and production outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]